Chapter 570 Serafina's Hidden Unhappiness
Jacob chose not to acknowledge her discomfort.
Instead of lingering in bed, he mentioned needing to return to the Windsor Mansion, suggesting they have breakfast together before shopping for gifts and returning to his family home for lunch.
Serafina suddenly remembered that Nicole was visiting the Windsor Mansion today. She hesitated briefly, but knew better than to compete with Nicole. With a faint smile, she rose to freshen up.
When she came downstairs, Jacob was already seated in the dining room, engrossed in a newspaper with a cup of black coffee at his side. His dark coat hung over the chair back, leaving him in a crisp white shirt. The morning light cast a glow on his handsome features, creating a picture of effortless elegance.
As Serafina took her seat, Jacob folded his newspaper and looked up at her, noting the Chanel outfit she wore—the same one she'd worn when they first met, likely one of her few designer pieces.
"We have plenty of time," he said, his gaze thoughtful. "I'll take you shopping afterward."
Perhaps his failed relationship with Nicole had taught him to reflect—he'd concluded that as long as he didn't neglect Serafina and offered her some companionship, their marriage would endure. He was willing to invest time when his schedule permitted.
Serafina was genuinely surprised but didn't refuse his offer. She nodded softly, clutching her milk glass, while a nearby servant remarked cheerfully, "Mr. and Mrs. Windsor make such a loving couple."
Jacob smiled faintly.
Serafina felt somewhat uncomfortable, her cheeks flushing as she lowered her head to focus on her breakfast.
After breakfast, Serafina went upstairs for her coat.
Jacob waited in the driveway, having chosen to drive himself rather than use the chauffeur, wanting time alone with her.
When Serafina emerged from the house, Jacob stood smoking beside the car, still in his white shirt, tall and striking in the morning light. Seeing her approach, he walked around to open the passenger door.
"Sit here," he said.
Serafina murmured her agreement and slipped into the car.
The atmosphere felt slightly tense after they set off—they were still essentially strangers despite having been intimate. Seeking to ease the tension, Jacob began telling her about the Windsor family.
"Diana's quite mischievous—Dad's favorite," he said. "Elliot's excellent at basketball, though his tech inventions are impressive too. Dad wanted him to run a tech company, but he's set on basketball, and Dad eventually let him follow his passion."
His words revealed genuine affection for his siblings.
Perhaps worried she might overthink things, he mentioned Nicole: "You've met Nicole—she married well. Theron treats her very well."
Serafina responded with a quiet acknowledgment.
A brief silence filled the car before Jacob gently took Serafina's hand. "That's all in the past now," he said softly.
This gesture was his way of making amends. Since morning, he'd been subtly apologizing, and Serafina wasn't one to hold grudges—especially knowing her position.
"I know," she replied with a gentle smile.
The warmth from his dry palm radiated through her hand—a different kind of heat than the previous night, bringing comfort rather than shame. This truly was one of the few tender moments in their married life.
While shopping for gifts, Serafina learned that Nicole and Theron would be moving abroad after the New Year.
"They probably won't return for eight or ten years," Jacob explained. "They'll likely come back when Theron's parents get older, but by then their children will essentially be foreigners."
Children?
Serafina paused, realizing that during both their intimate encounters, they'd used no protection. Jacob clearly wanted children.
Jacob didn't deny it. As he paid for their purchases, he casually remarked, "Two would be ideal. Preferably a boy first, then a girl."
When Serafina remained silent, he turned to her. "What's wrong?"
Serafina kept her eyes downcast, her long lashes trembling slightly. Finally, she gathered her courage to look at him. "Jacob, what if I can't give you a son?"
Lila had given birth to two daughters before complications left her unable to bear more children. Without a son, her fate had been bitter. Serafina feared following the same path, dreaded Jacob's potential disappointment.
Jacob gazed at her steadily before offering a slight smile. "A daughter would be wonderful too. The Windsor family still has Elliot, after all."
Serafina exhaled with relief.
Just then, a Chanel sales associate approached with several spring collection pieces. "Mrs. Windsor, these are our newest arrivals that haven't been displayed yet—available only to our VVVIP members. Would you like to try them?"
Serafina hesitated.
Jacob made the decision for her. "Try them all. They look perfect for you."
"This way, Mrs. Windsor," the associate smiled.
When Serafina emerged after trying everything on, Jacob purchased the entire collection, instructing the staff to have it delivered to their car.
On the drive to the Windsor Mansion, they returned to the topic of children.
Jacob drove with one hand while holding her fingertips with the other. "After having children, you can still work," he said softly. "The children will be raised by an elite team, so you needn't worry too much."
Serafina was surprised. "From birth?"
Jacob nodded. "Yes, from birth."
Especially for a son—his upbringing would need to be carefully controlled from day one. If they only had two children, he couldn't allow any deviation from his standards.
Serafina disagreed. Despite their vast differences, she advocated for herself and their future children. "I can take care of them too. I could return to work when they start preschool."
Jacob squeezed her fingers, smiling. "Professional care would be better."
Professional? Who could be more devoted than a mother?
Serafina didn't argue further. After a moment, she gave a soft sound of agreement.
Though Jacob still held her hand gently, her fingertips felt as cold as the winter air outside.
They stayed at the Windsor Mansion only for lunch. The experience wasn't as difficult as she'd feared. Sarah was kind to her, Nicole was pleasant, and little Diana was as charming as Jacob had described, greeting her warmly. Even Theron showed nothing but goodwill.
Just as Lila had said—there was nothing to fault.
Her life was comfortable. Jacob was generous and didn't restrict her freedom. She could continue working, and even when she stayed late at school and didn't return home until eight, Jacob never called to check on her. Her life had a certain liberty to it. Moreover, with Jacob's support, Ronan had genuinely restrained himself for a while. These were the benefits of her marriage, reasons to be grateful to Jacob as a husband.
Yet Serafina knew she wasn't happy.
Every gift of fate came with a price.
Bearing Jacob's children was the price she had to pay.
That night, she lay in bed wearing a snow-white robe, staring at the ceiling, listening to the sound of running water from the bathroom.
She was waiting—waiting for Jacob to come and make love to her, to conceive a child.